Young people report high levels of unprotected sex

Young people around the world need better education about sexual health issues, according to new research conducted for World Contraception Day (September 26th).

The survey found that the number of people failing to use contraception with a new partner has increased by 111 per cent in France since 2009, and by 19 per cent in Great Britain.

Just half of young people in Europe receive sex education in school and 20 per cent of respondents said they did not feel comfortable asking questions about sexuality and intimacy at school.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The poll, which questioned more than 6,000 young people in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the US, Egypt, Kenya and Uganda, also found that 14 per cent of people in Europe did not use contraception because they did not like it, while 28 per cent said they were too embarrassed to ask a healthcare professional.

Jennifer Woodside, from the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said that too many young people 'either lack good knowledge about sexual health, do not feel empowered enough to ask for contraception or have not learned the skills to negotiate contraceptive use with their partners'.

Sexual health charity the FPA recently urged parents in the UK to talk to their children about puberty, relationships and sex.

The charity is concerned by the findings of a recent survey from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which found that 46 per cent of youngsters have received little or no information on sex and relationships from their parents.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

Getting healthy just got a whole lot easier

Don't miss out on the latest healthy living news and inspiration direct to your inbox.

Enter your email address:

this is a test error

We will also let you know about discounts and great offers from us, tick this box if you'd rather not know about these.
Hearst Partners would like to let you know about some of their fantastic discounts, special offers, and promotions. We promise you wont be bombarded. Tick here if you would like to receive these.